Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Bloomington, MN: $64,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,944 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,933 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,971) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Bloomington, Minnesota, presents a promising outlook for new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology, with starting salaries anticipated at $64,944 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's overall median annual salary of $111,971, indicating a typical pay gap for entry-level positions. However, early-career psychologists can look forward to gradual salary increases as they gain experience, with projections showing a rise to about $80,619 after achieving a more established position. For aspiring psychologists, the job market in Bloomington appears to be favorable right now, as the growing demand for mental health services aligns with a strong annual growth rate of 5.08%, suggesting that there's room for fresh talent to succeed.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($96,180) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Bloomington, MN typically start between $64,944 and $80,619 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,971 — 5.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Minnesota of $90,000 represents just 138.58% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($64,944/year) in Bloomington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on APA-accredited PsyD and PhD clinical psychology program data. PsyD programs (predominantly clinical) typically charge tuition; PhD programs (research-focused) often offer full funding plus stipend. Median time-to-degree is 5-7 years; an additional 1-2 year clinical postdoc plus state EPPP exam is required for licensure.
CCP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $64,944 to $80,619, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the psychology field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Compensation Range
The clinical and counseling psychologist wage spread in Bloomington is $108,611 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,944, experienced hygienists can earn up to $173,555.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,663
2025 BLS Actual
$61,804
2026 Current Est.
$64,944
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bloomington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,663 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,243 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,663 in 2021 to $61,804 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,243. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your psychology Career in Bloomington
When considering potential employers, new grads should focus on larger hospital systems and corporate group practices in Bloomington that typically offer structured onboarding programs designed for those new to the profession. The opportunity for advancement is often linked to obtaining state licensure and pursuing additional certifications recognized nationally. Within the first few years, fresh graduates can expect to see their salaries increase as they acquire essential skills and credentials. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first three years may vary based on the specific employer and the professional trajectory taken. By prioritizing relevant experience and continuing education, new grad clinical and counseling psychologists in Minnesota can enhance their starting pay and make significant career strides in the competitive field of psychological services.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is psychology school worth it in Bloomington?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new psychology graduates. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov